🩺ACL Injury: What It Is, How It Happens, and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

What Is an ACL Injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and plays a critical role in controlling forward movement and rotational stability of the knee.

An ACL injury occurs when this ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely ruptured. These injuries are common in athletes but can also occur in everyday accidents such as slips, falls, or motor vehicle collisions.

Common Causes of ACL Injuries

ACL injuries often happen suddenly and are usually associated with a popping sensation, immediate swelling, and instability in the knee. Common causes include:

• Sudden stops or changes in direction
• Pivoting or twisting motions
• Landing awkwardly from a jump
• Direct trauma to the knee (sports contact or car accidents)

Symptoms of an ACL Injury

Symptoms may vary based on severity, but commonly include:

• A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
• Rapid swelling within hours
• Knee pain and tenderness
• Instability or the feeling that the knee may “give out”
• Reduced range of motion

How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes a detailed history, orthopedic testing, and imaging when necessary. While MRI is often used to confirm ACL tears, functional movement testing and joint assessment are essential to understanding how the injury affects the entire lower extremity.

Can Chiropractic Help With an ACL Injury?

While chiropractic care does not “reattach” a torn ligament, it plays a valuable role in both non-surgical management and post-surgical rehabilitation of ACL injuries.

1. Improving Knee Joint Mechanics

After an ACL injury, the knee often compensates in unhealthy ways. Chiropractors evaluate joint alignment and movement patterns in the knee, hip, ankle, and pelvis to restore proper biomechanics and reduce abnormal stress on the joint.

2. Reducing Pain and Inflammation

Chiropractic care may include gentle joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and modalities designed to decrease inflammation and improve circulation, helping the knee heal more efficiently.

3. Addressing the Entire Kinetic Chain

The knee does not work in isolation. Hip weakness, pelvic imbalance, or ankle restrictions can all increase stress on the ACL. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting dysfunctions throughout the kinetic chain to support long-term knee stability.

4. Restoring Strength, Stability, and Proprioception

Rehabilitation exercises prescribed by chiropractors help rebuild muscular support around the knee. Special attention is given to proprioception (the body’s awareness of joint position), which is often compromised after an ACL injury and is critical for preventing re-injury.

5. Supporting Post-Surgical Recovery

For patients who undergo ACL reconstruction, chiropractic care can assist with:

• Improving range of motion
• Reducing post-surgical stiffness
• Restoring gait mechanics
• Enhancing neuromuscular control

When Should You See a Chiropractor?

You should consider chiropractic evaluation if:

• You have knee pain or instability after an injury
• You are recovering from an ACL tear or surgery
• You want a conservative, non-invasive approach to care
• You want to optimize movement and reduce future injury risk

Final Thoughts

An ACL injury can be physically and mentally challenging, but comprehensive care makes a difference. Chiropractic care offers a whole-body approach focused on movement, stability, and long-term function—whether you’re avoiding surgery, recovering from it, or aiming to prevent future knee injuries.

If you’ve experienced a knee injury or suspect an ACL issue, a chiropractic evaluation can help determine the best next steps for your recovery.